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BB Leaders in Bangladesh Visit

Monday September 18 2017

Two young leaders from the Boys’ Brigade have returned from a two-week visit to Bangladesh to witness first-hand how global warming is affecting the country.

Craig Lowe, 22, from Kirkintilloch, and 21-year-old Kalesha Mayne of Paisley spent time in the Dhaka area and meeting farmers. The visit, in partnership with the Church of Bangladesh, also saw the wider local community being educated about the effects of climate change and what steps they could take to mitigate issues.

Kalesha, from the 8^th Paisley Company, said: “I really enjoyed our time at the Elizabeth Marble School in Khulna. Sixty pupils live in a hostel within the school campus, and they live there because their families are too poor to keep them at home.

“However they were so happy, always smiling and eager to show us their cultural songs and dances. It was refreshing.”

Craig, from the 1^st Kirkintilloch Company, added: “This trip allowed me to experience something I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.

“Also I was very interested to see how global warming is affecting countries in this region in comparison to the effects we are facing in this country.

“What surprised me the most was when we were out at the villages and the farmers were so willing to accept change and wanted to improve.

“The work being done in Bangladesh is only a small project in two villages but if successful the changes implemented will spread as other farmers see the rewards being generated.”

The visit was part of a project of the Boys’ Brigade and Church of Scotland World Mission Fund, which is 70 years old this year.

John Sharp, Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, said: “As we make our way through our 70^th anniversary of the World Mission Fund, we have supported a variety of initiatives and people from across the world, and raised a fantastic sum of money.

“The objective of this project is to make the community within the village fully conscious about climate change and initiate efforts to address the issues with proper technologies and skill. Craig and Kalesha embraced this opportunity brilliantly – they spent time to understand the challenges facing communities in great detail.

“World Mission is just one of many ways in which the BB gives young people international and unforgettable experiences.”

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